5 Foods That Can Last You a Long Time.

Food waste has been estimated at as much as 40 percent of the food supply in the United States, according to the USDA. That means billions of pounds of food, and billions of dollars, are virtually going down the drain every year.

Although foods like meat won't last more than a week, there are many different foods that can last a long time, potentially allowing you to save money by not having to toss it out - or to store it away in case of an emergency like a natural disaster.

Gong Yoo, and a potato. :)

Potatoes

Potatoes are not only incredibly versatile, eaten on their own baked and topped with a little butter and salt, tossed into soups and stews, added to casseroles, classically fried, and practically an endless number of other options, they last a long time. They're one of the best bargains at just a few dollars for a five-pound bag and can last up to six months when stored properly. They can last longer by keeping them in a container with holes for ventilation - a paper bag or cardboard box works fine, preventing the accumulation of moisture that leads to spoiling.

All-time favorite cheddar cheese.

Hard Cheeses

While you'll have to keep cheese refrigerated, harder, aged cheeses like cheddar, asiago, and parmesan don't have as much internal moisture, so they can last a long time, anywhere from four to six months, provided they're stored correctly. The best way to store it is to wrap it in butcher paper, parchment paper, or cheesecloth rather than cellophane, allowing it to breathe. Plus, with the harder cheeses, even if an area develops mold, you can simply slice it off and enjoy, perhaps with some habanero pepper jelly for the perfect snack.

An assortment of beans in a traditional Korean market.

Beans

Beans are a great source of fiber that can help keep you feeling fuller longer, as well as being packed with protein and essential nutrients like magnesium, potassium, and calcium. And, at around just 18 cents per a cooked, half-cup serving, they're a bargain too. Dried beans are best used within a year, but they can be stored longer as one of the longest-lasting and most nutritious foods. The key to using older beans is to soak them for at least 12 hours first and then add extra cooking time, which could be anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour or more.

Fiber overload with some good ol' oatmeal.

Oatmeal

Oatmeal is another amazing steal at only around 21 cents for a half-cup serving. Quick oats last as long as three years after the best-buy date, while steel-cut and instant oats have a lifespan of one to two years past that date, providing plenty of time to use them. While they're an obvious choice for breakfast, they have lots of other uses, too, including added to ground beef to stretch it further, which helps your dollar stretch further.

Peanut butter to make your day better.

Peanut Butter

Peanut butter is another versatile source of protein and not only makes a great spread for toast, bagels, sandwiches, and more, it can be added to shakes and smoothies, used in dessert recipes or savory dishes. Once it's opened, it will last about three months, but unopened, it's good for a year past the best-by-date. If it's natural peanut butter, be sure to keep it in the fridge even if it isn't opened - it will only last a few months in the pantry.